Next-generation vibration test control
By Peter Sims
13 Sep 2011
The rationale behind the development of Brüel & Kjær’s VC-LAN Vibration Controllers, which set out to bring the benefits of advanced connectivity to vibration testing.
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Automotive | Aerospace | Products
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| Enlarge image | | VC-LAN Type 7542 in the inimitable Brüel & Kjær green |
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Since the inception of the new generation of vibration controllers, the intention was to produce worthy successors to the LDS Comet and Laser. So, building on the example set by the LDS models, the new Brüel & Kjær VC-LAN controllers again follow the successful twin-model concept, to cover the complete range of possible testing requirements between them.
Two models from the same stable
The VC-LAN Vibration Controller Type 7542 offers eight input channels for control and limiting, while its smaller brother Type 7541 is perfect for applications that require two to four input channels. With the modular and expandable Type 7542, multiple units can also be configured together, allowing up to 64 input channels for control and limiting.
The VC-LAN controllers share software featuring applications specifically tailored to each type of vibration test, which are designed to reduce learning time. Crucially, this makes it easy to get results quickly, whether production testing, durability testing or in the aerospace and space industries. Early in the development process these three core functions were designated as the primary focus for the new controllers, allowing features to be designed into the units that would specifically address the requirements of those applications.
LAN connectivity
A core feature of the VC-LAN controllers is their LAN connectivity, which even allows wireless connection to the controlling PC. This facilitates centralised control of the controller or of multiple controllers, which can consequently be sited away from their respective vibration table test stations. The controller can also be placed near to the shaker to further reduce the cabling requirements, while the entire system can be supervised and analysed remotely.
User-friendliness is often a key technology differentiator, so this became a central factor in deciding the hardware to use. Both of the two new variants are able to cut setup times and simplify testing procedures by virtually guaranteeing input signal under-ranges and overloads are eliminated. This is thanks to dual, parallel A/Ds that deliver a wide 130 dB dynamic range for the input channels, without the need for multiple-input voltage range circuitry.
Integration synergy
Both of the controllers have enhanced safety and analysis features, making them well-suited to complex, fragile structures such as satellites. The modular architecture of Type 7542 gives up to 64 channels for control, while over 1000 channels of abort monitors are possible – allowing the test to be instantly stopped by a single overload at any one of 1000 separate points.
This abundant channel count comes from a unique approach that allows integration with Brüel & Kjær’s PULSE data acquisition hardware. Via the LAN connection, the benefit of the PULSE modular architecture can come into play, allowing a scalable system with as many abort monitors as necessary. In addition, this synergy provides concurrent and integrated data acquisition for further analysis tasks.
Stand-alone security
The capability to stand alone during operation, without the need for a PC, is another key to Type 7542’s ease of use, and is a response to the demands of production testing. Physical buttons on the front panel allow unskilled operators to easily get tests right the first time, and prevent unplanned or unauthorised actions. Meanwhile, a built-in battery guarantees that tests are satisfactorily completed even in the event of power failure – which can easily result from human error.
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For durability testing, the controllers give the benefit of automatically integrating and coordinating all of the equipment being used for testing, including external environmental chambers. In addition, the specially designed software includes advanced test methods for kurtosis control and test acceleration – making it possible to reduce test time and save costs for product development. Naturally, both controllers also offer full-capability control and analysis software applications for random, swept-sine, resonance dwell, classical shock, random- and sine-on-random, shock SRS, and field data replication.
Data data data ...
The VC-LAN Controllers’ embedded database makes it quick and easy to recall test setups and data, as keyword searches quickly lead the user to their desired information. To expedite product design, it is all stored in the ASAM-ODS industry-standard file format – ensuring easy data sharing with any third parties that are not involved in the actual testing.
| "As creating reports is an important part of testing, the controllers have quick and easy, ‘one-click reporting’ built in" |
As creating reports is an important part of testing, the controllers have quick and easy, ‘one-click reporting’ built in. A single mouse click allows the user to create comprehensive reports for their design group or customer, while special active reports allow users to re-scale, zoom, or cursor any data plots within a Microsoft® Word® report document – without having access to the controller.
The VC-LAN units are true next-generation controllers, with all of the intelligent connectivity and user-friendliness that entails. They’re also highly flexible, and fully equipped to deal with the challenges of the future. With all of the necessary excitation and measurement equipment available in a single system, customers also receive the benefit of investing in a single supplier with an unrivalled backup service and training network.
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